Every reveller down in Van-ville liked Christmas a lotBut the city’s many health fiends … sadly, some did not.All that food was delicious, but those calories? a fright!And come January 1, everyone’s clothes were too tight.

But then local bartenders stepped up and said, “Quiet!Christmas is for celebrating, not worrying about diets.For years and years we’ve put up with it nowWe MUST put liquid cheer back in Yuletide – but how?”

Then – an idea. A BRILLIANT idea!Those bartenders came up with a BRILLIANT idea!“We’ll make Christmas cocktails that are healthy and lightWith nutmeg and ginger and dragon fruit – that’s right!”

And so all you Van-villers, exhale and read onThen rush to these venues before the brews are all gone.And next time you throw back a flip or a rumEnjoy it – you deserve it. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Stop 1: 1927

Don your flapper dresses and cummerbunds before sauntering into Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s ‘20s-style lounge. While the speakeasy-like ambiance is pure Gatsby, the seasonal flip is light enough for even dainty Daisy Buchanan.

Cocktail Ginger Flip d’Hiver (Winter Flip)

Bartender Collaboration of Miles Caine and Rosewood Hotel Georgia staff past and present

Health-boosting benefits Raisins are rich in iron and eggs are protein all-stars. Add in the antioxidant-rich seasonal spices, and you’ve got a nutritious powerhouse.

Stop 2: Wildebeest

Look left and admire the rustic wood wall, then venture down to the underground wine room – a dimly lit Aladdin’s cave. Balance your meat-centric meal with this wholesome concoction that goes down all too easy: your arteries will thank you.

Tastes like… Velvety and full-bodied, finishing with a hint of chocolate on the palate. Double your pleasure and ask for it warm.

Health-boosting Benefits Coconut milk replaces heavy cream for a seasonal brew without the sin. Half the calories of traditional eggnog, this better-for-you cocktail is double the flavour.

Stop 4: The Keefer

Reminiscent of a Shakespearan apothecary’s den, the dimly lit interior showcases multi-hued brews purported to soothe ailments and restore vitality. With ingredients sourced from Chinese herbalists and combined with housemade tinctures and teas, the “spoonful of sugar” in these cocktails really does make the medicine go down.

Tastes like… Perfect balance of sweet and tart, ending in a spicy kick.

Health-boosting Benefits Gin was traditionally used to cure stomach ailments, and ginger and magnolia bark aid digestion and re-harmonize the body’s digestive Qi, or chakras. Ginger is also high in antioxidants, fights cancer and prevents scurvy. Pirates, take note.

Stop 5: The Refinery

Creamy risotto, short ribs and gnocchi headline the menu at this trendy tavern, but a light cocktail gives you the green-light to indulge.

Inside Vancouver is a multi-author blog, written by Vancouverites about Vancouver. Our goal is to give an insider’s view of Vancouver, to provide information, stories and opinions from the locals’ perspective about this great city.